By Ralph 'Onz' Chery

Central Park Rangers Whites midfielder Idy Watt was selected as the first division’s third player of the week of the season for netting a double against League Cup champions NY Athletic Club in a 2-2 draw on Sunday.

“It feels good,” Watt said on winning the accolade, “but would've felt better had we held on to our lead and got the win we were going for. NYAC is a good side but we worked them out pretty fast and exploited their weaknesses. I am proud of the nomination but I wasn't happy with my overall performance. I can do better.”

The former NYU player is the first midfielder and the youngest player to win the nomination in the modern era of the league at 21 years of age. The first two players who were nominated player of the week in the modern era were Ovan Oakley [Lansdowne Bhoys F.C] who’s 26 and Paul Nittoli [Cedar Stars Academy] who’s 32.

“This comes as good news to me,” Watt said after hearing that he’s the youngest player to win the accolade. “It means I must be doing something right in my preparation for the games and I'd like to thank all my teammates and the coaching staff for helping me achieve this nomination.”

The Senegalese beat the opposite keeper in a one-on-one situation from Jacob Joseph’s pass to score his first goal in the first half, which equalized the game 1-1.

Watt scored his second goal by curling a left footed shot in the net from outside the box in the 50th minute.

“[I was] extremely excited and relieved,” the 21-year-old said about netting his second goal. “I was practicing that exact shot throughout my summer training regimen and I'm glad it materialized into an important goal for the squad. We were under quite a bit of pressure before I hit that and I would've hoped it mattered more but that's just how it went. On to the next one now."

To add to his brace last week, Watt assisted CPR's goal against Lansdowne Bhoys in a 4-1 loss in the team's previous game on Sept. 9th. Hence the youngster had a hand in all of Central Park's goals so far.

Watt predicted that his teammate, Mouni Kabore, will succeed him in winning player of the week.

“I won't be holding this title for too long though as Mouni Kabore is back fit and ready to start next game,” he said. “The league got to watch out for this young man. Very dangerous young player. I'll enjoy it while it lasts though.”